Moldova has allowed for the introduction of visas for Russians: reaction in the State Duma

Chisinau has allowed for the possibility of a visa regime for Russians

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan on November 6 allowed for the possibilitythat Chisinau may introduce visas for citizens of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, and China, since this is required by the European integration process. According to him, Moldova intends to continue its European path, but there are no exact timelines for such a decision yet.

The State Duma allowed for a mirror response

Member of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Denis Kravchenko told Gazeta.Ruthat the introduction of visas could trigger a mirror response. “I believe that if such a decision is made, Russia will act strictly based on its national interests and the fundamental principle of reciprocity. Introducing a visa regime is the sovereign right of any state, but it inevitably entails reciprocal symmetrical measures,” he said. He called such “artificial barriers” unfriendly and added that they “will seriously affect economic ties and business contacts that have been built over years”: “First of all, ordinary people will be hit. We are talking about thousands of citizens on both sides of the border who have relatives living in Moldova.”

Context

Earlier, on November 5, it was reportedthat Moldova would impose sanctions against the president of Transnistria for a visit to Russia. No decision on visas had been made yet: the prime minister merely allowed for such a possibility, without naming any timelines.